Like @toddinmn said, the Sunrise is the creme de la creme of that bunch. I think I have been on record saying this, but I wouldn't chose window "X" over window "Y" based on a balance system. That said, there are a bunch of reasons that the Sunrise is superior to those listed as comparative options in your line up.

Thank you for your input. Actually, I'm the one that has researched and brought up the balance system as I thought it would be important how the window functions. The Sunrise sales guy was more focused on the glass performance, saying his low-e glass is better than the rest. He's quoting me $800-1000/per window including install which seems kinda high. I'm in the North Central zone (Annapolis, MD/Baltimore/Washington area). Why do you suggest the reinforced sash?

You can look at U-values to compare performance and Sunrise is good but not the best, unless they compare a unit with Surface 4 low-E but that package has poor condensation ratings. They like to promote what other don‘t have which many good sales people do and I think they make fair points. I don’t think there vinyl extrusions are the strongest with there double hungs and sliders which is why I would recommend sash reinforcement . Some of there lines come standard with them and do not and also not be available.

@toddinmn I will keep all of that in mind. I'm not sure I can afford the best. I plan on living in my home for many years, so I want something good yet affordable. Perhaps the two do not go hand in hand and like everyone I'm on a budget. I'm staying away from the name brands like Andersen and Pella as I don't want to pay for their advertising. I am a window novice, so just trying to make the best choice for my region, home, and bank account. : ) Do you have a go to vinyl window brand that you would recommend? Do you think $800-1000/window is very high for a Sunrise window (not the Essentials line, but a step above)?

@moonmtn83 , in your area one of the Pro's that commented here (Windows on Washington) may serve your area. If so, you are in luck. Great company, I'd highly recommend reaching out.

On the price range, that's pretty typical, although there are a lot of factors (options, install style, local market conditions, etc) that play into that.

As far as product, I agree with the others that Sunrise is probably the lone option that I'd personally consider in this group.

I think I live too far from @Windows on Washington Ltd - about an hour from DC in Severna Park, MD never Annapolis. I'm certainly open to other recommendations outside of the ones I listed in my question. Any opinions about Okna, Soft-Lite, Polaris, and Vytex as previously recommended in comparison to Sunrise?

I'm looking for energy efficiency (U rating under .30), nice streamlined with simple lines, solid metal hardware, smaller frame and sash, sloped sill, balance covers, fine mesh screen, window opens almost all the way, condensation resistant, and good warranty. Should all window have drain holes or are those outdated? Also, any opinions on block and tackle vs constant force balance system? Thanks so much in advance for any help.

I used to live in Severna Park, right off Jumpers Hole. We actually do go that far out if you want to give us a ring. Just wanted to have the record reflect correctly is all. You can call the office and ask for Eric if you like.

Another quality window to consider is either of the fiberglass models by Marvin. Essential or Elevate. Elevate has wood cladding on the interior. Essential is fiberglass inside and out.

Here's an evaluation of vinyl windows. Starts at 9:00 in.

Marvin Integrity are now renamed Essential and Elevate.

If the fiberglass is a better material, it MUST have a higher design pressure...right?

He is right that the Elevates and Essentials don't have that great an air infiltration number in double hungs. Solid advice there.

Seems to me what he actually said is:

• "these were a bargain basement price, and you know what, I got what I paid for...."

The design pressure has more to do with design than the material. I have heard the Marvin’s don’t do great on air infiltration but still have never seen a official lab report, just random and vague numbers. Overall I think ”fiberglass“ is a superior material but it’s cost is often unjustified.

@toddinmn, Marvin dealers can provide those numbers from what I've seen, they aren't vague. What I have seen them do though is quote random sizes, particularly very large sizes that render a better rating since the rating averages air leakage over the area of the unit. The correct rating assigned to a given model/operator is measured at a gateway size for consistency. Marketing numbers achieved at other sizes is disingenuous at best, but certainly there are other manufacturers, dealers, and sales reps that do the same.

Todd...I can email you a test report on the Infinity DH if you like.

Yes

@HomeSealed Exteriors, LLC - can you tell me why you wouldn't recommend Alside, please? We are considering them, Polar Seal and trying to see if our contractor can get Sunrise - but Alside is on the table as an option as well. Thank you!

It is builder grade window, it is available to hacks and of course Pro’s even though most pro’s dont use them since most have better options available. It is better than many big box offerings or on par. alot of their designs are outdated and their mor modern ones lack in performance. .

@toddinmn - well that's disconcerting. I wondered about this. I don't know which way to go then. We had a few quotes before this whole world situation happened and put the new windows off until now. We need quite a few. We had quotes from Weathergard and Polar Seal and talked w/ people about a few other options. Now this time around we had some recommending Alside and one gentleman who does installs for Polar Seal also does Alside but is trying to get Sunrise. We also had a quote for North Star but they came in very very high. What I'm really puzzled about is the reviews for North Star are not great. Sunrise, though they have been spoken of highly here and this contractor said he would like to install them but isn't sure he can get them, doesn't have the best reviews either. Polar Seal appears to have the best reviews online of the ones that I have looked up, but I hear that they aren't certified as energy star anymore. That's not my main concern, but I'm surprised.

I don't know how long we will be in our home. Likely not just 1 year, but also not likely 20 - so I want something good but I don't need top of the line and for sure do not want to pay extra just for a name. Any thoughts you can give would be appreciated. Maybe I need to start a new thread :).